Diplomate, Board Certification of Emergency Medicine
Chairman, Department of Emergency Medicine Ma'ayenei Hayeshua
Hospital
I imagine that many people read my column by just skimming it
and looking for any interesting tidbits. Others may ignore it
completely, as they are scared of what they may see there or
they feel they know what they need to know already. This
week's column needs to be read by everyone completely. This
week, we are dealing with the biggest killer of people in
Israel.
Again, all I say this week is common sense, but as a
physician in Tel HaShomer, a large trauma center, we see many
automobile accidents that are always sad. Even the minor
ones, the "fender benders," can lead to costly injuries and
often litigation.
Let's start with the basics. Seatbelts save lives. It is true
that seatbelts can cause injuries, but being thrown out of a
car is often death or at least serious injury. All children
must be seatbelted, and littler children must be secured in a
safety seat which is suitable for their age group. I often
see people driving with little ones on their laps or horsing
around in the car. If you can speak to these people you will
be saving lives. Airbags will save lives as well, but are not
for babies and short people. Pregnant ladies should wear
seatbelts as well, underneath the baby.
The chance of serious injury is much higher at high speeds.
Many roads are just not designed for higher speeds. The speed
limit is set for a good reason.
Let's look at an example. If you are on the Jerusalem-Tel
Aviv expressway, the speed limit is 100 km/hr. Let's say you
need to go 50 kilometers. At the speed limit, you will arrive
-- easy enough -- in 30 minutes. Now start speeding at 135
km/hr. You will save yourself a total of 7.7 minutes but at a
much higher risk of death and serious injury. Is it ever
worth it? For 8 minutes?
Passing on the right and weaving in and out of traffic is
illegal. Using merge lanes and shoulders is another trick
which is not only illegal but rude as well. Both of these
practices are dangerous. Road rage is particularly dangerous.
if a person cuts you off -- do not respond. You may have been
right but is it worth the cost?
Motorcycles are terrible. A motorcycle accident is usually
gruesome. I'd also advise you to be careful with Arab
drivers. Many do not have insurance, and they may use their
vehicles as forms of terror.
Taxis are another problem. Remember that you are the
customer, and therefore you can request that they drive
safely. Many think that the customer wants to be at the
destination as fast as possible. You should advise them that
you desire a safe ride!
Trucks and trains need a far distance to brake. Never cut off
a truck or race a train to a crossing. Trucks also have a
larger blind spot, so passing them on the right is not a good
idea. Slow down in bad weather.
If you are in an accident, stay put if there is no immediate
danger. Often pain takes time to develop, and can be
excruciating. Be in close touch with your doctor.
It was after a long day shift that I returned late at night
on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. After pulling out of the last
toll booth, the rains started getting heavy, but I soon
reached the speed limit. I was tired and hungry. One mile
later, I hydroplaned and the car smashed into the divider at
100 km/hr. I remember the white lights of pain, and thinking
how will my wife take it that I have passed on.
Fortunately, the air bag inflated, badly burning my arm but
saving my life. I have the scar on my arm to this day, ever
reminding me that there is a mitzvah to guard one's life.
Safety first -- always. Write me in care of the Yated.
A message from Glaxo, sponsor of this column.
Headaches are a terrible malady, and finally we have a
medication that deals specifically with migraines: Imitrex.
It was the first of its kind and it has stood the test of
time with regard to safety, effectiveness, and experience. I
take it for my headaches and it works!
